The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal
Overview
Instituted by the King of Malaysia, the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal recognises British Commonwealth personnel who served during the Malayan Emergency and the Confrontation. In 2005, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved its acceptance and wear by eligible New Zealand personnel.
The PJM recognises operational service in and around Singapore, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula.
Description
The medal is silver in colour and circular in shape. The obverse bears the Malaysian national crest above the inscription ‘JASA MALAYSIA’. The reverse features a map of Malaysia above the inscription ‘P.J.M’.
The medal suspender consists of two crossed ‘palas’ palm fronds.
The ribbon has a central broad red stripe, flanked by narrower blue and yellow stripes, reflecting the colours of the Malaysian flag.
Eligibility
Individuals who served in Malaya / Malaysia for at least 90 days, between 31 August 1957 and 31 December 1966. Service in Singapore between 31 August 1957 and 9 August 1965 is also recognised by the PJM medal.
The start date of 31 August 1957 recognises the day that Malaya / Malaysia became an independent nation.
Important Note: The service which was deemed eligible by the Malaysian Government for receipt of the PJM medal was substantially broader than the New Zealand definition of operational service in Malaysia, which attracted New Zealand medallic recognition as at 2005. Non-operational service was also recognised by the PJM Medal. It was estimated by the New Zealand Defence Force in 2005 that 700 personnel who did not qualify for a New Zealand medal would be eligible to be awarded a PJM medal for various service in and around Singapore, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula.
As a result of a policy review by NZDF in 2021, all New Zealand Armed Forces service recognised through the award of the PJM medal also qualifies for the award of the New Zealand Operational Service Medal.
Recipients
Since 2005, the PJM has been issued to more than 3,800 New Zealanders. NZDF estimates that at least another 1,000 eligible ex-New Zealand military personnel have not yet applied for the award of the PJM.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal is worn after Commonwealth awards from countries of which the King is head of state and before foreign awards in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is worn before the South Vietnamese Campaign Medal, if a recipient holds both medals.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Applying for this medal
NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.
If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.
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Checking if this medal was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.